Conquer the whole world with the Gospel!

SCOTTISH HEROISM GAVE A WHOLE NATION FREEDOM

When William Wallace rose up in Scotland in the end of the 13th century, when England in a barbaric way had occupied Scotland, and cried out “We can defeat England on their own ground”, not many believed him. But William’s voice echoed strongly and became a cry of freedom and hope of a future in freedom and independence. More and more joined the Scottish heroes, with William as the front figure, and with the willingness to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of Scotland and despite all odds were against them, they succeeded to defeat England and win their freedom. William had to pay a high price for the freedom of Scotland and went through a cruel execution in London, but his courage and dedication gave Scotland freedom and independence after his death. Scotland succeeded with the impossible. The following sign of remembrance can still be found in Scotland today about William Wallace:

”To the immortal memory of Sir William Wallace Scottish Patriot born at Elderslie Renfrewshire circa 1270 AD. who from the year 1296 fought dauntlessly in defence of his country’s liberty and independence in the face of fearful odds and great hardship being eventually betrayed and captured brought to London and put to death near this spot on the 23rd August 1305. His example heroism and devotion inspired those who came after him to win victory from defeat and his memory remains for all time a source of pride, honour and inspiration to his countrymen.”

JOSHUA POSSESSED THE PROMISED LAND

God had a promised land prepared for his people, but Moses and the Israel people went around in the dessert for forty years complaining, doubting and were filled with unbelief despite God’s miraculous provision, blessings and protection. Therefore Moses never had the joy of possessing the promised land but God found another man, Joshua. God is always looking for another man, a people that He can use to possess the world more and more with the kingdom of God. Joshua believed in God, obeyed God and boldly possessed the promised land with the confidence that God always was with them and that He would give them victory, and that was exactly what happened!

”After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.” Jos 1:1-6

CONQUER THE WHOLE EARTH WITH THE GOSPEL

What can we learn from William Wallace and Joshua? We can learn that no victory is won without battle and a willingness to sacrifice. No victory is won in the kingdom of God without courage, dedication and determination. There is a price to pay for all victories. We can learn that boldness and faith in God brings great rewards. Most of all Joshua teaches us that the kingdom of God always advances in a spirit of faith and obedience to the voice of God and His calling. Where doubt, fear, unbelief and complains exists the kingdom of God cannot go forward. Comfortable and easy Christianity, where we safely and inactively sit and wait in our boat, is not God’s method for the evangelization of the world. No, just like the apostle Paul we need to have an overcoming attitude, passion, dedication and willingness to sacrifice to see the kingdom of God go forward:

”Serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews… And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:19-24

Let us BELIEVE in Jesus and in His calling to world mission, to reach all people with the gospel, and let us CONQUER the whole world with the life-changing message of the gospel. In the same way that Joshua led the Israel people into the promised Land, God wants raise up a new Joshua generation that will possess our promised land, the whole world, for the kingdom of God. Let us BELIEVE in Jesus and in His calling to world mission, to reach all people with the gospel, and let us CONQUER the whole world with the life-changing message of the gospel. In the same way that Joshua led the Israel people into the promised Land, God wants raise up a new Joshua generation that will possess our promised land, the whole world, for the kingdom of God. Jesus says to you and me today that we can conquer the whole world with the gospel of his death and resurrection:

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age… Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15

THE MISSIONARY C.T. STUDD’S CHALLENGE TO MISSION